The war in Ukraine has underscored the need for manned aerial platforms capable of detecting and destroying adversary one-way attack (OWA) drones. (For better readability, we will refer to aerial drones simply as “drones” in the remainder of this article.)
The recent deployment of drones by both sides during Operation Sindoor raises the question: will India also need to develop or acquire such a manned aerial platform?
One Way Attack (OWA) Drones
OWA drones typically fly at low altitudes to evade radar detection and bypass air defense systems. Often, they are repurposed light commercial aircraft.
They are relatively inexpensive to manufacture due to their low speed, limited maneuverability, and short airframe and engine lifespans—factors that allow the use of widely available, low-cost components.
Despite their modest performance, OWA drones are lethal. They can strike deep into enemy territory—sometimes over 1,000 km—and carry substantial explosive payloads.
Their extended range makes vast areas vulnerable to attack. The number of potential targets is far too large to be protected by point defense or short-range air defense (AD) systems. Using long-range missiles to intercept them is not cost-effective and risks rapidly depleting missile reserves.
Countering Long-Range OWA Drones
A cost-effective counter to OWA drones is deploying manned aircraft with sufficient speed and endurance to conduct multiple interceptions in a single sortie, equipped with weapons capable of engaging multiple threats.
Fighters As Counter-Drone Platforms
Ukraine has experimented with countering long-range OWA drones using its F-16 and Mirage 2000 fighter jets, which are provided by NATO countries. The air-to-air missiles these fighters carry are significantly cheaper and more readily available than long-range surface-to-air missiles.
However, Ukraine has reportedly lost two to three F-16s during such counter-drone missions. Intercepting drones presents challenges due to their relatively low speed and flight altitude, complicating radar tracking and missile engagement.
Russia has continuously upgraded its long-range Geran-2 drones, making them harder to intercept. The latest variants are equipped with more powerful engines, allowing them to cruise at 3 km AGL, beyond the effective range of mobile fire teams and helicopters.
In contested airspace, they can drop to altitudes as low as 50 meters to avoid radar detection. During the final attack phase, they can steep dive from 2 km altitude, reaching speeds up to 400 km/h to overwhelm target defenses.
Effective Manned Counter-Drone Platforms
Manned counter-drone operations have proven most effective using slow-speed aerial platforms such as helicopters. These platforms offer the ability to loiter, visually acquire, and engage small, low-flying UAVs that are otherwise difficult to detect or intercept with high-speed fighter aircraft.
Russia employs platforms like the Mi-28N and Ka-52 attack helicopters, as well as Su-25 ground-attack aircraft, coordinated with ground-based radar and electro-optical tracking systems. Russian forces also utilize light sport aircraft retrofitted with machine guns and man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) to patrol low-altitude airspace around critical infrastructure.
Ukraine similarly uses Mi-24 and Mi-8 helicopters, L-39 trainer jets equipped with gun pods, and even modified agricultural aircraft for night operations.
These platforms operate at low altitudes and slow speeds along likely drone ingress routes, particularly during nighttime raids. Pilots rely on visual detection, night vision systems, and tactical intelligence to identify and engage hostile drones.
Specialised Counter-Drone Aircraft
The need for a slow-speed aerial platform capable of hunting and neutralizing one-way attack (OWA) drones has been apparent to both adversaries in the Ukraine conflict for nearly two years.
Russia now appears to be taking a bold step in a direction that could set a global precedent.
A Russian experimental aircraft design bureau has unveiled a deeply modernized version of the Yak-52 sport/trainer aircraft that could become the world’s first dedicated counter-drone fighter.
The Yak-52 is well-regarded for its rugged construction, high maneuverability, and aerobatic performance. Powered by a 360 hp radial engine, it offers agile handling, a roll rate exceeding 180°/sec, and can withstand +7/-5 G forces—making it ideal for advanced aerobatic training and performance flying.
The newly developed Yak-52B2 variant is tailored for counter-drone operations. It features a 90 kg payload capacity under each wing. One pylon mounts a circular-view radar capable of air-to-air, air-to-ground, and weather tracking. The other currently carries a 12-gauge semi-automatic carbine.
The aircraft is further equipped with a weapon aiming subsystem and modern flight control and navigation systems, enabling reliable operations in all weather conditions.
HTT-40
If the Indian armed forces assess the need for a dedicated manned counter-drone fighter capability, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) HTT-40 could be cost-effectively upgraded to fulfill the role within a reasonable timeframe.
On March 7, 2023, the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with HAL to procure 70 HTT-40 basic trainer aircraft. Earlier, in July 2022, HAL had signed a $100 million contract with U.S. engine-maker Honeywell for 88 engines to power the HTT-40 fleet.
The 70 aircraft on order will be delivered over six years from the date of contract signing.
The HTT-40 is a tandem-seat turboprop trainer that is fully aerobatic and offers excellent low-speed handling characteristics. It features an air-conditioned cockpit, modern avionics, hot refueling capability, running changeover, and zero-zero ejection seats.
The HTT-40 procurement aims to address the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) shortage of basic trainer aircraft and includes associated equipment, training aids, and simulators.
HAL first pitched the HTT-40 as an indigenous trainer for the IAF at Aero India 2013, showcasing a mockup of the aircraft.
However, on May 10, 2012, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) had already approved the procurement of 75 Pilatus PC-7 MkII aircraft for the IAF, Indian Navy, and Coast Guard. The Pilatus had been selected through global bidding to replace the aging HPT-32 fleet.
Ironically, in response to HAL’s display of the HTT-40 mockup at Aero India 2013, then IAF Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne had remarked, “There is no need for [the HTT-40 trainer]. We have the Pilatus PC-7. It’s a proven aircraft. The HAL project is starting from scratch. Our indications are that the cost will be too high. There is no need for all this.”
Conclusion
A full-spectrum counter-drone capability must include, among other components, a dedicated slow-speed aerial platform capable of detecting and neutralizing long-range one-way attack (OWA) drones before they reach their targets.
Fortunately for India, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has already developed a platform that could be effectively repurposed to meet this emerging threat.
The HTT-40, an indigenously designed trainer aircraft, offers the flexibility and performance needed for such a role and can be upgraded relatively easily to address the evolving operational requirements of the Indian Armed Forces.
- Vijainder K Thakur is a retired IAF Jaguar pilot, author, software architect, entrepreneur, and military analyst.
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